How to Change Your Driver's License in Alabama After Marriage

Just got married in Alabama and taking your spouse's last name? Updating your driver's license at the DMV is one of the first things to check off. In Alabama, your certified marriage certificate is the legal document that lets you change your name — no court order required. Here's exactly how to do it.

Before you go: update your Social Security card first

Wait until your new Social Security card arrives before you go — the DMV needs it and cross-checks your SSA record.

How to change your name at the Alabama DMV, step by step

1. Find your nearest Alabama Law Enforcement Agency office (ALEA) at this link: bit.ly/alealocations
2. Make an appointment at this link: bit.ly/aleaappt - you will select "STAR ID" - you can also walk in if you like to live life on the edge
3. Gather the documents listed below.
4. Visit your local ALEA office with your required documents
5. At your appointment, you will be asked to pay a license fee

What to bring

• Current driver's license
• U.S. passport or birth certificate
• Your new Social Security card
• Certified copy of your marriage certificate (or divorce decree)
• Proof of Alabama residency (two documents showing your name + address)

You will need to provide two different documents proving you live in Alabama. Proof examples: utility bill, mortgage, apartment lease, etc. - a full list of acceptable proof documents is included in your name change kit

In Alabama, accepted proof-of-residency documents include:

• Voter Registration Card
• Residential Mortgage Contract
• Current Lease or Rental agreement for housing
• Proof of payment of residential property tax (Homestead)
• Previous year tax returns bearing applicants address
• Vehicle registration bearing applicants name and address
• Utility bill (Water, Gas, or Electric) less than 90 days old
• Any State or Federal Court documents indicating residence address
• School enrollment documentation
• Defense Department Form 214 (Report of Separation)
• Sex offender registration documents
• Current Homeowners insurance policy with name and address
• Social Security benefits statements/summary mailed to physical address
• U.S. or State Government check or other document mailed to applicants physical address
• Military Orders documenting duty station and place of residence.

If utility bills or other similar documents feature the name of the applicant's spouse or parent, the applicant must produce a marriage certificate or birth certificate verifying residence address.

REAL ID

REAL IDs are required for air travel as of May 2025, the below instructions reflect the required steps to apply for a REAL ID (also referred to as a STAR ID)

Good to know

• A license fee is collected at your appointment (verify the current amount on the official Alabama DMV site).
• You can update your vehicle registration during the same visit.
• Alabama also allows you to register to vote while at the DMV, so we recommend knocking that out while you're there too.

Alabama license name change FAQ

Do I need a court order to change my name on my Alabama driver's license after marriage?

No. In Alabama your certified marriage certificate is the legal document that lets you take, hyphenate, or blend your spouse's last name. A court order is only needed for a name unrelated to marriage.

Do I need a new Social Security card before updating my Alabama license?

Yes. Update your Social Security card first and wait for the new one to arrive — the DMV needs it and the systems cross-check your SSA record, so doing it first prevents mismatches.

Do I need a REAL ID to change my name in Alabama?

REAL ID has been required for domestic air travel since May 2025. If you want a REAL ID, bring the full set of documents listed above; the name-change process is the same visit.

Your license is just one step

The full Alabama name change runs Social Security → DMV → passport → banks. See the complete walkthrough: How to Change Your Name in Alabama After Marriage.

Related: Hyphenating your last name · NewlyNamed vs. HitchSwitch vs. NÉE compared

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